Ingredients and Weight:
- 1 pound (454g) dried pinto beans
- 1 pound (454g) cooked ham, cubed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) salt
- 2 cups (473ml) chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 6-8 hours (slow cooker setting)
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty, requires soaking beans overnight)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Soak the pinto beans in water overnight or for at least 8 hours.
- Drain and rinse the beans.
- In a slow cooker, combine the beans, ham, onion, garlic, oregano, salt, chicken broth, and bay leaf.
- Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours.
- Stir occasionally and add more chicken broth if necessary to keep the beans from drying out.
- Serve warm with desired toppings or as a side dish.
Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming 8 total servings)
- Calories: 300-350 (depending on ham content and toppings)
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 10-15g (mostly from ham)
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
Dish Characteristics:
- Hearty and flavorful, perfect for colder weather.
- Slow-cooked to perfection, the beans are creamy and the ham is fully infused with bean flavor.
- Easy to customize with toppings like cheese, scallions, or hot sauce.
User Comments:
- "The flavors were amazing! The perfect combination of beans and ham."
- "I love how easy this dish is to make in the slow cooker. It's a great winter dish."
- "My family loved it! The dish was hearty and filling."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Soaking the beans overnight is crucial for reducing cooking time and ensuring the beans are cooked evenly.
- Feel free to add more ham or other toppings according to your preference.
- Keep an eye on the water level in the slow cooker and add more chicken broth if necessary to prevent drying out.
